
raord rruK^. 



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Edward P. O'Leary 



DEDICATION 



To all who would seek 

the land of Hearts Desire 

and 

To all true lovers of 

California 

These lines are respectfully 

inscribed 

By the Author 



Lyrics of California 



Edward P. O'Leary 

Author of 

Wayside Memories, Songs and Poems, 

including "The Tot's Birthday Party" 

Hymns and Devotional Rhymes" 

'Fiddle and I, or the Legend of the Violin, 

and other Poems 

"Songs of Love," words and music 

"Enigmas in Prose and Rhyme" 

" Maxims for Young and Old" 

in Prose and Rhyme" 

All rights reserved by 

Edward P. O'Leary 
Los Angeles, California 

Copyright MCMXIX 
Publithed by 

Wayside Press 

311 East 4th St., Los Angeles, Cal. 



m^ 25 i919 



INDEX 

Dedication ^ 

My Emigration to California 5 

California {an acrostic) ^ 

Queen of the West 10 

California the Land I Love (song) 12 

Where the Golden Poppies Grow 14 

California the Land of Hearts Desire 16 

California 1^ 

The Mocking Bird's Song 20 

Southern California in Winter 22 

When It Rains In California 23 

Where the Roses Never Fade 25 

Where Dreams Come True 27 

California {an acrostic) 29 

California (a double acrostic) 30 

Home in California 31 

Our California 32 

California {an acrostic) 35 

3 



MY EMIGRATION TO CALIFORNIA 



There's a change in my status since I was young, 
For then I dwelt in the bhzzardy East, 

And I toiled, as its dwellers now toil along, 
For shelter, for raiment, for daily feast. 

When the shackles of winter would fall from my limbs. 

When the boreal freezes would please to cease. 
Old Sol, would retake to his fiendish whims, 

And load up his furnace with fuel and grease. 

And he'd set it aflame, and such torrid heat came, 
That it seemed 'twas his ultimate joy to melt 

This poor little globe, so I can't find a name, 
To distinguish the ceaseless burning, we felt. 

Many years I had suffered the pangs of ill health, — 
Doctors told me on earth I'd not long to remain. 

Genial climate might help to relieve my distress, 
But vigorous health, I could never regain. 

What was I to do in this fitful purlieu. 

No modern destroyers for service were nigh, 
For I knew, and I felt, 'twas to freeze or to melt, 

One terror or the other hurled from the sky. 



So I gathered my dollars and a few Sunday collars, 
And mused where and how I might dwell — 

Where no boreal "Pole," should insist its control, 
And drag close on behind it — a h . 

I had heard people say, that far over the way 

Lay a land where good angels abide. 
Every month was a June, every hour , a noon. 

And it's fields, were flow'r spangled, and wide. 

That sweet vernal-like breezes would waft from above 

And fill souls with exuberant joys. 
That its oldest statistics would plausibly prove 

None grew aged, but always stayed boys. 

There were magical breezes that dropped from above, 
That would court you, caress you, and bless; 

Touch your cheeks, as the lips of the Spirit of Love, 
And you'd ne'er know despair, or distress. 

'Twas a rich land, for wander wherever you may, 

Shone nuggest of countless worth. 
And history reveals, in its primeval day, 

'Twas the treasury vault of the earth. 

So wherever you'd journey, in upland or dell. 

Or thro' leaf-strewn shadowy wold. 
Lay these nuggets, too precious in value to tell. 

Of mans most valued idol — 'pure gold. 



Other wealth, quite untellable, seek as you please, 
Hid in crevasse, 'neath rock, or green sods. 

That its fruit grew from earth without cuttings or seeds, 
And its edibles, — Help me ye gods. 

That it claimed fairest maidens that dwelt upon earth. 
Who bewitched every heart, thro' their smile. 

They were tutor'd by angels, from day of their birth, 
And like them must stay ever the while. 

Would you dare to compare their sweet eyes or their 
grace. 

E'en with what Venus deemed her most blest. 
You would earn a contempt that you could not efface. 

Or be charged with delusion, possessed. 

Were adorable, and if for no reason more. 

Just suspend every pleasure of life 
And pray to be sent to that halcyon shore, 

And be blessed with so peerless a wife. 

There are other endearments, and qualified joys, 

I'm too humble a poet to sing. 
But banish your doubtful, alluring toys. 

And your soul to this happy land bring. 

Eutopia, was only a fanciful dream, 
Compared with this heaven of climes; 
Eldorado, a pictur'd and ear-pleasing scheme. 
To the truths I have writ in these rhymes. 



I believe there is many and many a saint, 
Who meanders these bright, flowery ways. 

Who is sent to blot out every error and taint, 
That would tarnish her heavenly days. 

I believe her security nature forestalls, 

Broad, majestic Pacific lays west, 
'Long the east mountains lift their invincible walls, 

'Gainst storms, that would tempt to infest. 

Kind nature requites her, in air, and in soil. 

Her benificence shows everywhere. 
She lavishly gives to the hands do toil. 

In the bounteous harvests they share. 

I have heard tongues repeat again and again. 
Of the zephyres that bring to her bliss. 

They dally your cheeks, as the sweet lips of love, 
And like love, bring perfume with their kiss. 

So I sought this fair land, of which I'd been told, 
Over mountains, and valleys, and streams. 

And found sunshine, and flowers, and plentous gold 
Beyond all expectations, and dreams. 

And lest sheriff should take me, 
Or sound sense forsake me, 

I'll ne'er journey again, whence I came. 



But stay worshipper dutiful, 
In this land of the beautiful, 

And for e'er at her altar remain. 



All ye, who dwell distant from this happy home. 

And for Paradise linger, and long. 
Pray to heaven that you to its portals be borne. 
And inherit these blessings I've sung. 

****** 

With thanks to God for a happy life, 

And estate somewhere 'twixt rich and poor, 
I have ambled my course, thru' joys and strife. 
In this haven of "Promise," — so au revoir. 



CALIFORNIA 

{An Acrostic) 

Could I but sing thy charms in classic song. 

As some great singers of the past have done, 

Long would the world thy magic praises hear. 

In every land beneath the setting sun. 

From North to South, where e'er the sun doth set. 

Of thy sweet praises would I ever sing; 

Regardless of what others say or do, 

Ne'er would I falter in my love so true. 

I fain would send these lines o'er land and sea. 

And may my last fond dreams be spent with thee. 



QUEEN OF THE WEST 

Beneath Sierras towering gaze, 

Like a maiden fair to see, 
Robed as "a queen" in fairyland, 

Smiling o'er the Western Sea. 
No queen who ever reigned supreme, 

Could be so wonderous fair 
As this charmed one of whom we sing. 

In majesty stands there. 



Beneath the blue of radiant skies, 

Bedecked in golden sheen; 
When far from her my longing eyes 

Oft dream of this fair queen. 
For, 'round her blossoms ever cling, 

And roses twine her hair; 
The fairest queen of all the land 

And her sweet charms I share. 

She smiles serene o'er valleys green 

Where the golden sunset dies. 
The fairest of this earth I ween, 

Beneath the heavens blue skies. 
Fair as a golden morn in June, 

With a flush upon her face 
Is she, this one of whom we sing, 

And her sweet charms, — now trace. 



Like some fair bride 'neath fragrant bowers, 

This queen I love so well; 
Crowned with bright wreaths of perfumed flowers. 

Could I with her e'er dwell, 
No more on earth I'd long to roam. 

But e'er contented be; 
And ever call this spot my home 

Where her sweet charms I'd see. 

For golden fruits of glory gleam 
In valleys green around this queen; 
And if 'neath her sweet smiles you stray, 
You'll ne'er forget 'till your last day. 
Sweet blessings that are unconfined 
Within her kingdom, you will find, 
O'er all the earth and fair Southwest, 
The one you'll ever love the best. 

****** 
This queenly one of whom we sing. 
Now to you all her name we bring. 
Your life, her charms will ever bless — 
Queen city of Los Angeles. 



11 



CALIFORNIA 

(Song) 

The Land I Love 



Once again I long to ramble 

Over valleys fair to see, 
Where I spent my love's young dreaming, 

Happy were those dyas to me. 
'Till the roving spirit lured me. 

Over foreign lands to roam, 
Seeking 'lusive, golden, treasure 

Far from my dear native home. 



Refrain 



Where song birds sing their carols 

In the hush of winter's morn. 
And golden poppy blossoms. 

The green valleys there adorn. 
Amid sweet blooming flowers. 

Whose fragrance fills the air, 
And life is one long sunshine, 

That every one may share. 

12 



Weary years I've spent in roaming, 

From Alaska's golden strand, 
To the East and South Sea Islands, 

But there's only one home land. 
For the gloomy leafless woodlands 

All my love has ever flown, 
There's no charm in tropic sunshine. 

Give me back my native home. 



Refrain 



In my heart I feel a longing. 

There once more again to dwell. 
There's none other in this wide world. 

That I'll ever love so well. 
Heimweh achings long have grieved me, 

And I'll journey home once more. 
To the land of Heart's Desire, 

Fair California's Southern Shore. 



Refrain 



Heimweh in German 

'' Homeway'' or ''Home Longing.'' 



13 



WHERE THE GOLDEN POPPIES GROW 

In this famed land I long to rest, 

The fairest known beneath the skies. 
Go North or South, the East or West, 

'Tis here the far-famed Eden lies. 
Suburb of the Isle Elysian 

Where flowers bloom, you long to kiss 
That favored spot of all the earth; 

To cheer the weary soul to bliss. 
'Tis here I ever long to stray 
Beneath the sun's bright cheering ray, — 
Where the Golden Poppies grow. 

Thou who art free from toil released. 

Come where the gentle zephyr's blow; 
And thou shalt have a joyous feast 

Where golden fruits ambrosial grow. 
To land of flowers and sweet perfume, 

The fairest seen beneath the skies. 
Where sunshine days dispell all gloom, 

And bring glad hope to longing eyes. 
Fanned by the balmy fragrant air. 
No other land can be as fair, — 

Where the Golden Poppies grow. 

14 



Land of the olive and the vine, 

The fairest gem hath e'er been set. 
Land, blessed by heavenly bright sunshine. 

Come here and thou shalt ne'er regret. 
To this land of blooming roses, 

Where e'er you hail from, you'll be true, 
Land, where summer day reposes 

Each coming bright new season through. 
And though 'neath ailen skies you roam, 
'Tis here you'll ever call sweet home, — 
Where the Golden Poppies grow. 

Here in the land of bright sunshine 

Come dwell beneath His gracious smile. 
Land, lit by light of love divine, 

Uncursed by serpent's cunning guile. 
This choosen spot of all the earth. 

Its coming wonders who shall tell . 
Come here, and thou shalt have new birth; 

And in sweet bliss shall ever dwell. 
For future ages yet to be 
Shall sing its praise o'er land and sea, — 
Where the Golden Poppies grow. 

16 



CALIFORNU 
The Land of Heart's Desire 

In this fair land *tis sweet to dwell 

Where fragrant blossoms cheer the way, 
And soothing tones from rippling streams 

Chant anthems, ever night and day. 
The balmy breezes cool the brow, 

And song birds trill their sweetest lay; 
Though I have roamed in many lands, 

Let me in this, sleep my last day, — 
The land of Heart's Desire. 

'Tis well to dwell in this fair land, 

'Twill ever bless your days and cheer; 
And talents, that kind Heaven endowed 

Each one and all, may ffnd them here. 
Delightful scenes entrance the eye, 

And sounds, that charm the listening ear. 
Will ever their sweet blessings lend 

Until the heart grows lone and sear,— 
In the Land of Heart's Desire. 

IS 



In summer fields of golden grain 

From mountains to the surging sea, 
And citrus groves of emerald sheen, 

Adorn the valleys fair to see. 
Though Time's grim scythe is onward mowing, 

Fair nature's scenes will ever last. 
The luring bright and joyous present 

Thrill hearts with glories of the past, — 
In the Land of Heart's Desire. 



Here, old familiar faces greet us, 

Where e'er our wandering feet may stray; 
As though in the eternal realm 

We'd meet dear friends long passed away. 
Earth's sun kissed, fairest, flowery spot, 

None other can I love so well. 
Where now I write these lines tonight 

Let me through life, forever dwell, — 
In the Land of Heart's Desire. 



17 



CALIFORNIA 

Some like to dwell where blizzards blow. 
And long to see the ice and snow, 
The hoary frost of winter drear. 
Give me, I pray, this land of cheer — 
Fair land of California. 

Where summer flowers ever bloom. 
And blossoms spread their sweet perfume. 
Where feathered songsters sing their lay 
Through all the year, both night and day- 
Fair land of California. 

Where day and night the whole year long 
Is one glad, joyous, mirthful song. 
And sunbeams ever brightly shine 
Blessed by the hand of Heaven divine — 
Fair land of California. 

No frigid winds, or clouded sky. 
Chill when the winter days draw nigh, 
But like sweet lingering dreams long past. 
The summer hours forever last — 
In Southern California. 

18 



Fair valleys green, and mountains high. 
Towering upward to the sky. 
The land all nature loves the best, 
And known as the "Golden West," — 
Fair land of California. 

Since East and West, clasped hand in hand 
At Panama's fair golden strand, 
Thousands have heard of its great fame. 
And lives in every heart the name — 
Famed land of California. 

Its gladsome days will ever cheer 
You onward to some bright career. 
No other land beneath the skies 
Can cheer the heart, or charm the eyes- 
Like dear old California. 



19 



THE MOCKING BIRD'S SONG 

One night in grief I went to bed 

My heart was in despair, 
The trials that beset Hfe's way, 
Severer seemed to be each day, 

And more than I could bear. 

Sleep would not visit my tired eyes. 

Weary I tossed and turned. 
As I lay on my downy bed, 
Trying to rest my aching head 

While fever, flushed and burned. 

Suddenly in the midnight gloom, 

I heard the sweetest strain 
From walnut tree, outside my cot. 
And then my troubles were forgot, 

And all that gave me pain. 

The notes from some wild mocking bird, 

Came to my listening ear. 
My sorrows vanished, I was free 
As mortal ever here may be. 

And had no more to fear. 

20 



The songs from that sweet singer's throat 

Lulled me to slumbering rest. 
No sweeter trills were ever heard, 
Than came from that most joyous bird, 
As if by Heav'n 'twere blest. 

And in the dawning of the morn, 

I asked with contrite heart. 
Kind Heaven, who sent that bird s cheer 
My lonely wandering moments here. 

Such blessings ne'er depart. 




SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN WINTER 

Here in the land of the fair South West 
The sun shines bright o'er the mountains crest, 
And valleys green that are fair to see 
From flow'r crown'd hills to th esurging sea. 

The dew drops sleep in the winter's bloom 
Of tropic plants, and sweet flowers perfume 
The balmy air; and the brooklets flow. 
While mountains near are agleam with snow. 

The drowsy song of the busy bees, 
Is wafted far through the citrus trees ; 
And humming birds seek blooming flowers 
Through all the joyous sunlit hours. 

Lone deserts once, now bloom in emerald sheen, 
Enchanting as a sylvan fairy queen. 
Hesperian fruits and bowers of soft repose. 
Flowering gardens, fragrant as the rose. 

Where the old church bells ring out so sweet, 

From the mission towers as if to greet 

And offer each one a welcome hand. 

Who come to this heav'n bless'd far famed land. 

From summer storms of the fiery east. 
From frigid winters we are released, 
And offer thanks for the charm possessed 
Where nature smiles, and each one is blest 
In this fair. Southern Land of the West. 



WHEN IT RAINS IN CALIFORNIA 

O! how I love the winter days 
No words of mine can offer praise. 
The gladsome time of all the year 
When rain drops fill my heart with cheer. 
Beneath those joyous summer showers, 
I long to spend life's sweetest hours; 
And dream of by-gone years long past, 
Where hoary frost, and winters last, — 
Far — away — ^from — California. 



Through winter days, long, lone, and dreer, 
No more of them have I to fear. 
In this fair Southern, sun-kissed land 
Anear the broad Pacific's strand; 
Where song birds sing the whole year long. 
And cheer my heart with their sweet song, 
I welcome then the heavenly showers, 
When e'er they come in winter hours, — 
When it rains in California. 

23 



Beneath Mount Wilson's hoary crest 
Would I through life forever rest, 
And hail thy gentle, pattering feet 
All citrus growers love to greet. 
I long to hear thy dolesome song 
That cheers my way on earth along, 
Where canyon, vale, and mountain side 
Reflect thy blessings far and wide, — 
When it rains in California. 

Come oft, sweet rain, in gentle showers, 
And bless our winter cheerful hours. 
Gay birds their joyous songs shall sing. 
And fragrant flowers forever spring. 
The skies shall turn a deeper blue, 
And roses bloom with brighter hue. 
We welcome thee, O gentle rain. 
And sing to thee our glad refrain,— 
When it rains in California. 



24 



WHERE THE ROSES NEVER FADE 

Let's go back to California, 

Dear old sweetheart, you and I. 
In my heart there is a longing 

For the clear blue southern sky. 
For the hoary, towering mountains, 

And the valleys green and fair; 
For the winter blooming flowers, 

And the fragrance of the air. 

To that land of green and golden 

Far away from frost and snow. 
Where the gentle sighing zephyrs 

And the orange blossoms blow; 
Where all nature smiles her fairest, 

And the song birds trill their lay, 
There once more I long to ramble, 

And to dream life's hours away. 

Down by the breakers let us stray 

'Neath the cloudless evening skies, 
And behold the broad Pacific 

Where the golden sunset dies. 
Or, go strolling in the morning 

In the fragrant balmy air. 
When there's gold and purple gleaming 

On the hillsides everywhere. 

25 



Let's go back where life's worth Hving 

Once again dear, — ^you and I; 
Let us hasten to its beauties 

There to dwell, and there to die; 
And when we're called away to rest, 

Let us sleep beneath the shade 
Where the song birds sing their praises 

And the roses never fade. 




2S 



WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE 

Oh! long it is since that first vision 

A mundane gleam of Paradise. 
Fair verdant hills, and vales elysian, 

Came to my eager longing eyes. 
From childhood's early morn I dreamed 

Of some fair land the heart could cheer, 
And through the vale of dreams there gleamed 

Hope's guiding ray to seek it here; 
Where now I dwell 'neath skies of blue 
And first my sweetest dreams came true. 

Like a happy love tranced maiden 

With ruby lips and eyes of blue, 
Here all nature blossom laden. 

Sweet fragrance spreads the whole year through. 
Song birds their sweet love trills render 

Beneath December's azure skies. 
Zephyr's sigh o'er scenes of splendor, 

Sunset's surpassing love-Ut eyes. 
Where now, I dream 'neath skies of blue; 
To this fair land I'll e'er be true. 

27 



Here, in winter come glad showers, 

Where ever now I long to stray. 
Sending perfume from sweet flowers, 

Cheering the hours along life's way. 
Fading as some tragic memory, 

Frosty blizzards ever seem 
To me now, faint, vague, and shimmery; 

Or, as some hideous nightmare dream. 
While here, I'm blessed 'neath skies of blue 
Where first my sweetest dreams came true. 

Beneath the towering mountains hoary 

To youth, and strength, I long to cling. 
What care I for wealth, or glory. 

While here thy praises I can sing. 
Nature's charms forever thrill me 

With fair delights, I long have seen. 
From mountains to the surging sea, 

O'er all thy hills, and valleys green. 
Here let me rest 'neath skies of blue. 
Where first my sweetest dreams came true. 



28 



CALIFORNIA 

{An Acrostic) 

Come where skies are blue and fair, 
And their sweet blessings ever share. 
Land where the golden flowers bloom 
In radiant tints and sweet perfume, 
Fairest of all beneath the blue 
Of sunny skies and verdant hue. 
Return you ne'er will evermore. 
Nor leave this far famed western shore. 
In this fair Eden of the West, 
Ah! here, you'll ever long to rest. 




29 



CALIFORNIA 

(A Double Acrostic) 

California, land of fervent delight, 

Accept this humble tribute to thy praise. 
Long now it is, since first, 'neath sunshine bright 

I came to rest with thee, my last fond days. 
For oft thy praises had been sung to me 

Of sunny skies, and landscapes wonderous fair, 
Ripphng streams, and valleys fair to see, 

No other land can e'er with thee compare. 
I long to sing thy praises o'er and o'er. 
And e'er through life, shall love thee more and more. 




HOME IN CALIFORNU 

Back from winter of ice and snow, 
Home in the land where all things grow. 
Away from the northern blizzards blast, 
Here where the genial summers last; 
Where blossoms tinge the verdant hue 
From spring to spring the whole year through, 
And song birds sing both night and day 
In gladsome praise from May 'till May. 

Back to the clime I love so well. 
What joy to me words fail to tell. 
Away from my old northern home 
Where in my youth I loved to roam, 
And though it pained my sorrowing heart 
From native land and friends to part. 
Now in this fair and southern clime 
Content I am to dwell, — life's time. 

***** 
Let others sigh for lands that be 
California is the land for me. 



31 



OUR CALIFORNIA 
Her Allurements and Allotments 

What blessings of Heaven bestow'd upon us, 

Are more matchless, more gracious, more kind, 
Than those that invigorate joy and give trust 

In our souls, in our bodies, and mind. 
Denied their benificence, discord, and fear. 

Would supplant every comfort benign. 
Our smiles would submit to the gloom of a tear, 

And to sorrow's, sweet peace would resign. 

J 

What gratitude owe we, thou glorious clime, 

For thy tranquil, salibrious sun. 
Every beam seems a word that is spoken divine, 

Bidding nature, thy will shall be done. 
The small peeping flowret, — the dignified oak. 

Respond with their praises of love. 
And the birds in their twit, their song, and their croak, 

Chant hymns to thy Giver above. 

Thou dost help to uncover the bounties of God 

And uncurtain man's darken'd eye, 
And reveal is if thro' His voice, and His nod 

Where earth shall its riches supply. 
The diamond, the nugget of precious gold 

Are displayed by thy ferritting ray. 
So that man may thy lurking resources unfold 

And bring forth what is hidden away. 

32 



I would not barter thy precious air 

For Italias charming cHme, 
Nay earth cannot show me a realm so fair 

To exchange for this land so benign. 
Should Heaven endow me an artist divine 

And bid me an Eden create, 
I would pray to sketch, for my noble design, 

A model of this charming state. 

Thou givest to us our bounteous store 

Of grass, and of grain, and of fruit. 
Your whisper, your beckon, your smile you implore 

To entrance life incarnate, and brute. 
You offer your smile to each small blade of grass 

That peeps 'neath each stone on the way. 
As you do to the towering trees that surpass 

The proudest that raise in array. 

God made you, and is it a sin if we feel 

That His gifts are so partial to us, 
That we look with more love on the spot where we dwell 

And assume it a kindlier trust. 
We cannot discover, as earth circles 'round, 

Such exquisite rapturous skies 
A heaven as lovely as that which is found 

The most gorgeous that heaven suppHes. 

33 



Her arms are outstretched (saying "come unto me") 

If ye yearn for a generous sod, 
If ye yearn for the fruitfullest soil that be 

Dispensed thro' the mercies of God, 
I assure you a harvest that never shall fail. 

In fruits and in life growing grain, 
I assure you bright skies that shall ever prevail, 

Genial airs, and sweet nature's soft rain. 

What nature dispenses 'tis ours but to love. 

For we happen to be but her slave, 
And we know what she gives is consigned fromjabove, 

And is all we should need, or should crave. 
O Merciful Ruler, and Giver of All, 

May Thy good gifts that fall to us here, 
Be the same unto all, who in reverence call 

For Thy blessings on earth every where. 




34 



CALIFORNIA 

{An Acrostic) 

Could I but sing! ever 'twould be of thee. 
Ah! ne'er through life can I that day regret 
Long though it be, since first old friend we met. 
In praise I offer then these trifling lines, 
For thou hast been to me a worthy friend. 
O may I ever love thee more and more — 
Refulgent are thy blessings each new day, 
Nor can thy splendors e'er from earth depart. 
In memory will I cherish joys with thee 
Among the sweetest treasures of my heart. 




36 



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